Awakening

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

Page 19

The Place of Dharma
According to Lord Mahavira, the last thirthankar, Jiva i.e, man does not think clearly when he is in the bondage of Karma; hence, he gets entangled in a perverse hunt of puerile sensual pleasures.
Throughout his existence, he remains in the grip of attachment. He does not hesitate to do any evil action in order to acquire wealth. Even old age does not prevent this. Though the body grows weak, desire does not. While the hair grows grey, the mind continues to be black. Though the teeth fall, avarice keeps increasing. What a strange thing this is!
King Kumarpal picked up some gold coins belonging to a rat and it, afflicted by the loss, broke its head and died. From this, we learn that desire has its evil effect even upon animals. When that is so what should its effect be on man with stronger passions?
It is said that a certain man stole five hundred rupees belonging to somebody. On account of this action of his, he was so profoundly afflicted with grief and repentance that he committed suicide. This is called